Impulse transmitting apparatus



Oct. 19, 1948. M. LEWANDOWSKI 2,451,840

IMPULSE TRANSMITTING APPARATUS Filed May 16, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 JV I a 77). war? /amsA f 1 4 M. LEWANDOWSKI 2,

IMPULSE TRANSMITTING APPARATUS Filed Ma f1s, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 19, 1948 IMPULSE TRANSMITTING APPARATUS Marian Lewandowski, Warsaw, Poland, assignor to Inz. M. Lewandowski i B-cia Kasinowscy Splka z Warsaw, Poland ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia,

Application May 16, 1938, Serial No. 208,330 In Poland May 22, 1937 Section 3, Public Law 690, August 8, 1946 iatent expires May 22, 1957 5 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion of the kinetic energy of oscillating bodies into rotational or translational movement or into rotational and translational movement, the energy being supplied by any oscillations and particularly mechanical, electric, electromagnetic or thermic oscillations.

Such apparatus are known per se, but hitherto they could not find any considerable practical application because of their low efiiciency, this low efficiency being caused by inappropriate form and unsatisfactory functioning of the oscillating device as well as by unsuitable position thereof with respect to the driven member which as a rule is constituted by a wheel or a plane. Moreover these known apparatus are very noiseful at work, because of the inadequate construction thereof.

From the researches conducted by the inventor it results that the increase of the efficiency is depending upon the angle between the oscillating member and the end of the elastic driving member, which is rigidly connected to this oscillating member; namely it has been found that the said end of the driving member must include a sharp angle with the oscillating member itself if it is :1

turned towards the point of suspension of the latter whilst this angle must be an obtuse one, if the said end constitutes a prolongation of the oscillating member.

It has been found that if the said driven member is constituted by a Wheel, the best conditions of working are obtained when the elastic oscillating member which preferably has the shape of a flat spring is placed within a certain angle in front of the point of intersection of the tangent parallel to the rectilinear part of the oscillating member with the perpendicular passing through the centre of the driven member. As to the position of the oscillating member with regard to the fiat driven member, it is to be said, that the angle between the said member should not surpass 25, one arm of the said angle being constituted by the straight line coinciding with the chord which connects the free end of the driving member with the suspension point of the oscillating member, the other arm being constituted by the flat driven member.

Further it results from the researches, that the speed of the driven member depends on the value of the angle between the driving part of the oscillating member and the driven member, the said speed being increased by increasing the value of this angle and being reduced by reducing the said value. Furthermore it has been found that the direction of movement of the driven member as well depends on the position of the oscillating member. If the driving part of the oscillating member bears against the driven member in such a way that the free arm of the latter is turned towards the suspension point of the oscillating member, then any displacement of the driven or of the driving member beyond the point of intersection of the line tangent to the driven member and parallel to the rectilinear part of the driven member with the perpendicular line passing through the centre of the driven member for instance a wheel, causes reversion of the direction of movement of the driven member.

Hitherto only simple springs having everywhere the same thickness Were used as the oscilating member, respectively as the driving member, the driven member being constituted by a wheel, having small teeth on its surface. Such springs were often broken at their framing, i. e.

at the place of the greatest bending thereof, and

the toothed member caused a very noiseful working of the apparatus. These inconveniences are completely eliminated from the apparatus according to this invention by executing the oscillating member in the form of a flat arc-shaped spring consisting of a plurality of simple spring layers, the thickness of the whole spring being greater at its framing than at other points, as Well as by employing a smooth driven member, preferably of rubber or a similar noise suppressing material, or alternatively coated with a layer of such a material.

For the purpose of still better noise suppression the apparatus according to the invention is provided with acoustical insulation. This insulation consists in a suitable casing, enclosing the oscillating member and/or the driving member, these members being additionally separated from the body of the apparatus, or alternatively the said body being acoustically insulated from the carrier plate and from the surroundings.

Moreover the apparatus according to this invention differs essentially from all similar devices hitherto known in that the oscillating member itself as well as its driving member are performing identical movements, these movements being simple (not composed) and exclusively transversal, whereas in all known devices of this kind the movement of the oscillating member is not identical with the movement of its driving member, both these movements being usually composed.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 represents a mechanical driving device with oscillating movement,

3 Fig. 2 represents a modified device of the same kind, Fig. 3 shows an electromagnetical driving device, Figs. landii illustrate longitudinal and transversal cross section through the armature thereof, Figs. 6-12 show different modified forms of device according to Fig. 3, Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate two difierent forms of apparatus according to the invention, the driving member consisting in this case of abimetallic deviceand Fig. represents a device for quenching the sparks occurring in various arrangements according to the invention, destined for being supplied by direct current.

Fig. 1 shows a mechanical auxiliary driving apparatus for all kinds of vehicles. It operates in consequence of the mechanical shaking of the wheels and supporting axles that are caused mainly by the inequalities of the track. In this system the element a in the form of a flat spring bears with its free end against the surface of the wheel b and is str ightenedthereon in consequence of the shakings, and thereby produces .arotary movement of this wheel. The free'end of thespring 11 comes intocontact with the wheel b at a point placed within an angle of 10-20 'degrees in front of the point of intersectionof the tangent parallel to the underframe of the :vehicle With the perpendicular passing through 'thecentre of'the wheel I). This wheel, which is ;mounted on the axle 0 may be in frictional or toothed engagement with another wheel in and in this way transfer the energy of the shakings to the carrying axle c1 of the-vehicle, thus ran-- .dering possible the restoration of the hitherto .lost energy. The wheel'br maybe provided with a device that allows of thetransference of the rotary motion only in one direction i. e. only when its peripheral velocity is smaller than the peripheral velocity of the'wh'eel b. The spring a is rigidly connected with the underframe, whilst it may 'be'connected elastically or articulately with the 'frameof the vehicle, for example of a bicycle orof a motor cycle and the arm on may then be providedwith a saddle, basket orthe like.

In Figure 2 there :is shown 'aconstructional form differing from that shown. in Fig. 1. The diiierence consists in that thespring a is'fastened to the bearing of the axle c1 of "the vehicle and the wheel I; to the underframe. in both cases the kinetic energy of the 'shakings can be de livered immediately tothe Wheels 172 'or to the vehicle axles 01, or be stored up mechanically or electrically to be restored later. In order to increase the peripheral velocity of the wheel b, it may be provided with a transformation device. The spring a isrigidlyconnected with-the underframe, whilst it may be connected elastically or articulately with the frame of the vehicle and the arm as may then be provided with a saddle, a basket or the like.

In Fig. 3 there is shown an electromagnetic driving apparatus whichis operatedunder influence of the oscillatory movement of the oscillating member in the form of an armature d, this movement being produced by the alternating magnetic field of the electromagnet e under influence of periodical opening and closing of the current circuit or by change of the direction of the current. The armature d is provided with an elasticdriv-ing element a which preferably has the form of an arc-shaped multi-layer spring, having greater thickness at the framing thereof. The free end of this spring bears against the peripheric surface of a wheel 22, preferably at a point placed within an angle of illin front apparatus according 'to the Figs. '3 and 4.

of the point of intersection of a tangent parallel to the rectilinear armature with the perpendicular line passing through the wheel centre. The movements of the elastic element are substantially exclusively transversal. The armature d is elastically fastened by means of a flat spring f to the core of the electromagnet e, the free ends of this core being bent upwards. The wheel c is rotatably mounted on a shaft 0; the peripheric surface of the wheel is smooth and the wheel is made entirely-or partly of a sound-suppressing material say rubber or the like. For the purpose of regulating the amplitude of armature movements there serve abutment-s 7 .1, he encased by rubber. The wheel b rotates in the clockwise direction.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a longitudinal and transvei'sal sectional view of the armature d belonging to the apparatus according to Fig. 3. The armature consists of separate leafs, connect-ed to one another in such a way that between two adjacent leafs or between the groups of the :leais there is a straight or wave-shaped slot g parallel cooling thereof.

In Fig. 6 there is illustrated a modified iorm of the apparatus according to the Figs. 3 and 4.

The elastic memberd 'isturned by around its longitudinal axis, an elastic cord or ribbon being arrangedbetween the element a and'the wheel I), this cord-or'ribbon being if need be, an endlessone. The cord or ribbon z displaced on the wheel 2) under'the influence O1 vibrations of the element a. The'wheel b is rotating inithe counterclockwise direction.

Fig. '7 represents another-modified forrn oi the The elastic'element a or the wheel 2) can be displaced in the lengthwise direction of the arm is ofthe armature d away from the point of intersection of the tangent with the line perpendicular to the wheel, within an angle of 10-20". By means of this displacement there is possible to quickly reverse the direction 'of rotationof the 'wheel'b. Furthermore the armature dis acoustically insulated from the core of the electromagnet e or lrom its support by means of the insulation 2. for instance of rubber.

Figs. 8 and 9 represent a further modification of the apparatus according to the Figs. 3 and 4. The electromagnet e is a mantle type electromagnet and forms at the'same time a handle; it possesses a closed head'm of non-magnetic material, the armature d as well as a part of the wheel I) being lodged in the head. This form of apparatus'is destined above all for being managed by hand and may be advantageously employed for removing the lustre from fabrics. a special disc 9 being in this case mounted on its shaft c.

InFig. lOthere is illustrated a further modifi cation of the apparatus according'to the Figs. 3 and 4. The elastic element (1 forms a prolongation of the armature d and has a considerable amplitude'of movements. Besides it the apparatus is provided with a casing n, having, if need be, a carrying wheel 0, thus enabling the Whole apparatus to be displaced along the plane AB. This modification is suitable for being managed by hand as well as for toys.

Fig. 11 shows another modification of the apparatusaccording tothe Figs. 3 and 4. The elastic element a bears directly against the plane CD without coming into contact with the wheel b, which enables the whole apparatus to perform a translational movement, or instead of it, if the apparatus is immovable, enables the plane CD to perform such a movement. The apparatus is provided with any suitable casing in and may be provided with carrying wheels 01, 02. It is especially suitable for being employed in toys.

Fig. 12 shows a further modified form of the apparatus according to the Figs. 3 and In the circuit of the current of the electromagnet e there is inserted a wheel b1 of insulating material, a metallic ring 10, slotted at the point 22, being superimposed on the periphery thereof. As long as the elastic element a comes in contact with the metallic ring, the wheel in is driven by the elastic element a.

The point 12 causes interruption of the circuit. For closing the interrupted circuit resulting in displacing the wheel in away from the point 1) serves a contact 1'. This apparatus is destined inter alia, for producing acoustic signals of a strictly determined length. For this purpose there is provided a hammer s and plugs 73, the lever of the hammer coming in engagement with these plugs. The whole apparatus is covered by a bell cup u. The terminals 5 and 2 serve for connecting the source of current. In order to quench the sparks between the element a and the wheel in there is provided a condenser and a resistance winding.

In Fig. 13 there is shown a bimetallic driving device according to the invention. The driving energy is supplied by the kinetic energy of transversal oscillations of metallic plates with unlike coeflicients of expansion. These plates are periodically heated and cooled under influence of opening and closing of a current circuit by means of a contact screw 3 and a spring belonging to the resistance winding w, which surrounds the said plates. The terminals 3 and 4 serve for connecting the current suppl and they are electrically insulated from each other. Such a construction makes it possible to execute a driving device having very small dimensions which was not possible to obtain with any other mechanical driving device known hitherto.

In Fig. 14 there is represented a modified form of the apparatus according to Fig. 13. The bime tallic plates 22 are heated by means of a resistance coil 20 but only on one side thereof, the current flowing through this coil being never interrupted. lhe vibration of the plates is caused by the difierence of temperatures, produced by the bending of the heated plates away from the resistance coil.

In Fig. 15 there is illustrated a device for quenching the sparks which may occur in the various apparatus according to the invention, particularly if they are supplied with direct current. The said device consists of a resistance a: with contacts 1:1. This resistance may be made wholly or partly of an electrical semi-conductor or have resistance coil inserted in the circuit. when the armature is not attracted to the electromagnet, the plates r are connected together by the contacts x1, thus allowing the current to pass easily; but when the armature is attracted, this mutual contact of the plates gradually fades away and the resistance to the passage of the current increases very considerably. This resistance may be shunted by a condenser. For connecting the The device described above may be advantageously insulated from the mounting as well as from the surroundings by means of a sound-suppressing material. In order to enable the power of the driving apparatus to be increased there may be employed several independent armatures d, acting on a common Wheel b.

Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I claim is:

1. Apparatus for converting movement of vi- Ibrating bodies into unidirectional motion comprising, a body vibrating on account of any energy applied. thereto and provided with a flat arcuate shaped spring when in a position of rest contacting at its free end. with the periphery of a rotatable wheel at such a point which lies within the limits of the quadrant positioned from the side where the spring is fixed determined by a straight line parallel to the vibrating body and passing through the center of the wheel and a radial line perpendicular to the straight line, and said spring being so arranged that the plane of the movement of the vibrating body and the plane of the movement of the free end of the spring lie substantially transverse to each other, whereby the action of the spring is effective only when the arch of the spring straightens out on the wheel and its free end is directed in the same direction as the rotation of the wheel.

2. Apparatus for converting the movement of the vibrating bodies into unidirectional motion comprising, a body vibrating on account of any energy applied thereto and provided with a fiat arcuate shaped spring thicker at the place where it is fixed and having a number of flat leaves, said spring when in position of rest contacting at its free end with the periphery of a rotatable wheel at such a point which lies within the limits of the quadrant positioned from the side where the spring is fixed, said quadrant being determined by a straight line parallel to the vibrating body and passing through the center of the wheel as well as by the radius perpendicular to this straight line, said spring being so arranged that the plane of the vibrating body and the plane in which the free end of the spring moves are substantially transverse to each other, whereby the driving action of the spring is eirective only when the arch of the spring straightens out on the wheel and its free end is directed in the same direction as the rotating direction of the wheel.

3. Apparatus for converting a vibrating movement into an unidirectional movement comprising, a 'body vibrating on account of any energy applied thereto provided with a fiat arcuate shaped spring contacting at its free end when in position of rest with a flat driven member parallel to the vibrating body, said spring being so arranged that the plane of movement of the vibrating body and the plane in which the free end of the spring moves are substantially transverse to each other while the driving action of the spring is effective only when the arch of the spring straightens out on the fiat driven body whereby the free end of the spring is directed in the direction of movement of the driven body.

4. Apparatus for converting a vibrating movement into an unidirectional movement comprising, a body vibrating on account of any energy applied thereto provided with a flat 'arcuate shaped spring thicker at the place where it is fixed and having a number of fiat leaves contact- 7 'ing at its free end when imposition-of restwith a Ifiat driven body parallel to the'vibrating body, said spring being so arranged that the *plane of the movement of the vibrating body and the plane in which the free end of the spring moves are substantially transverse with respect to each other while the driving action of the spring is effective only when the arch of said spring straightens out on the flat driven body, whereby the free end is directed in the direction of --movement of the driven body.

5. Apparatus for conversion of the movement of oscillating bodies into unidirectional movement comprising an oscillating body in the former the armature of an electromagnet arranged in a variable magnetic field, :said armature having a fiat arcuate shaped spring which is in contact with a rotatable wheel with the free end of the spring in a position of rest bearing againsta point of the wheel lying within theilimits of a-quadrant p0- sitioned from the side where the spring is anchored determined by a straight line parallel to the vibrating body and passing through the center of the wheel and by a radial line perpen- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name ZDate 1,600,088 Burstyn Sept. 14, 1926 1,863,795 Ingersoll June 21, 1932 1,966,315 Siliceo July 10, 1934 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 236,071 Great Britain July '2, 11925 

